The U.S. Forest Service is awarding nearly $3 million for projects using trees and forests to improve water quality in the Great Lakes region.

Forest Service officials said this week that trees have a natural ability to provide wildlife habitat, prevent erosion, absorb toxins and limit runoff.

Programs in Detroit received grants to plant 2,000 trees in the Detroit and Rouge river watersheds. In Grand Rapids, 500 trees will be planted in parks along the Grand River to reduce the effect of the emerald ash borer invasion.

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians will restore 244 acres of trees lost to the ash borer along the Manistique and St. Mary’s rivers.

The Delta Institute will plant hybrid poplar farms at polluted industrial sites around the Lower Peninsula.